A system and method for bit error rate testing optical components comprises providing an optical testing unit, which measures a bit error rate of an optical device under test over an operating range of the DUT. The reactor, of annular shaped housing, contains a core region with a heat exchange means. The digital empowerment certificate includes an indication of identification data that uniquely identifies the voter to the authentication body, references to sources for the identification data or the identification data itself, and an indication of a voting key. A platform is disposed outside the outer shield, and is adjacent to the holder-opening mechanism such that a technician can stand thereon to monitor the forging operation.